Current State of Radiographic Patient Shielding in the United States

IF 1.3 Q3 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Pub Date : 2024-10-01 DOI:10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101477

Dr. Kristi Moore , Mr. Daniel DeMaio

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) proposed the elimination of routine patient fetal and gonadal shielding during x-ray-based diagnostic medical imaging in April 2019. This change was met with considerable confusion and consternation in the United States. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Patient Shielding Task Force developed educational materials to assist radiologic technologists in appropriately implementing this change in patient shielding. After more than a year of developing and disseminating these resources, the Task Force seeks quantifiable information on current shielding practices and perceptions of the front-line imaging professionals who have been directly implementing this change in clinical practice.

Methods

In February 2024, a 30-item online survey will be administered to members of the ASRT currently performing radiographic procedures in the United States. Survey questions are designed to investigate the current state of patient shielding as reported by responding ASRT members and to identify needed educational resources to assist clinical practitioners and patients in understanding the rationale behind this proposed change.

Results

While survey results are pending, we will collect and analyze data demonstrating the diversity of current practice and the perceptions of radiologic technologists regarding these recent changes. Analyses of the survey responses will inform the Task Force of the depth and breadth of this change's impact. They will aid in the further development of educational resources for both patients and technologists.

Conclusion

The proposed elimination of routine fetal and gonadal shielding during x-ray-based medical imaging impacted a fundamental tenet of radiation protection in medical imaging practice. Strategic change management is critical for the effective implementation of any significant change. The ASRT Patient Shielding Task Force continues to evaluate current practices and develop practical educational resources.

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美国放射患者屏蔽现状

背景美国医学物理学家协会（AAPM）提议于 2019 年 4 月取消在基于 X 射线的医学影像诊断过程中对患者胎儿和性腺的常规屏蔽。这一变化在美国引起了相当大的混乱和恐慌。美国放射技师协会（ASRT）患者屏蔽工作组编制了教育材料，以协助放射技师适当实施患者屏蔽的这一变化。在开发和传播这些资源一年多之后，特别小组希望获得有关当前屏蔽实践的量化信息，以及直接在临床实践中实施这一变革的一线影像专业人员的看法。方法 2024 年 2 月，将对目前在美国执行放射程序的 ASRT 会员进行一次包含 30 个项目的在线调查。调查问题旨在调查 ASRT 会员反馈的患者屏蔽现状，并确定所需的教育资源，以帮助临床从业人员和患者了解这一拟议变革背后的原理。结果在调查结果公布之前，我们将收集并分析数据，以展示当前实践的多样性以及放射技师对这些最新变革的看法。对调查回复的分析将使特别工作组了解这一变化所产生影响的深度和广度。结论取消 X 射线医学成像过程中常规胎儿和性腺屏蔽的建议影响了医学成像实践中辐射防护的基本原则。战略变革管理是有效实施任何重大变革的关键。ASRT 患者屏蔽工作组将继续评估当前的做法并开发实用的教育资源。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING-

CiteScore

2.30

自引率

11.10%

发文量

231

审稿时长

53 days

期刊介绍： Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences is the official peer-reviewed journal of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. This journal is published four times a year and is circulated to approximately 11,000 medical radiation technologists, libraries and radiology departments throughout Canada, the United States and overseas. The Journal publishes articles on recent research, new technology and techniques, professional practices, technologists viewpoints as well as relevant book reviews.